URW cuts energy use by 15% as crisis grips Europe

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is to cut energy use across its estate by a further 15% as the European energy crisis continues. The shopping centre owner has already reduced energy use by 17% since 2015 in Europe and 15% globally. It said the latest measures would support wider government and private sector efforts to address the European energy crisis. URW said it was on track to reach its target of permanently reducing its total energy intensity by 30% by 2030. It added that “some measures adopted to address the energy crisis are accelerating progress towards this goal”. As well as continuing long-term measures, URW said it would take a number of short-term actions, including a 30% reduction in lighting during opening hours, shutting down air curtains, significant reductions in air conditioning and heating, and adjusting indoor car park lighting based on occupancy, using smart parking technology where possible. It is also asking tenants to take similar measures within their stores. The plan also includes a range of special measures that can be triggered during critical consumption peaks or to meet local requirements and targets. Chief executive Jean-Marie Tritant said: “Since 2016, URW has implemented an ambitious strategy to reduce energy consumption across our business, and we are a committed player in the environmental and energy transition. Aligned with this position, we are determined to do our part to support the collective effort to reduce energy consumption while also supporting the many businesses that operate at our centres, and the critical role they play in employment and the economic vitality of the communities we serve.” URW has also committed to halving its total carbon footprint by 2030. It has so far made a 27% reduction.   To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews Image from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield